SIBO Breath Testing: A Comprehensive Guide

SIBO Breath Testing: A Comprehensive Guide

Do you experience persistent bloating, gas, abdominal pain, or diarrhoea despite dietary changes? These could be signs of a hidden condition called Small Intestinal Bacterial Overgrowth (SIBO). Often misdiagnosed or overlooked, SIBO can significantly impact one’s quality of life. At Blue Horizon, we offer a convenient and reliable SIBO breath test to help you get the answers you deserve.

This article delves into the world of SIBO, explaining the condition, the benefits of breath testing and how we can set you on the path to a healthier gut.

What is SIBO?

Your small intestine plays a vital role in digestion, helping to break down food into smaller components, such as sugars, amino acids and fatty acids. Moreover, nutrient absorption is amongst the other primary functions of the small intestine, alongside water extraction and food movement along the gastrointestinal tract.

The small intestine is a key component of the digestive system and hence, if disrupted it can lead to variety of digestive issues. For example, SIBO occurs when an excessive number of bacteria typically found in the large intestine migrate upwards and colonise the small intestine. This overgrowth disrupts the natural balance of gut bacteria, leading to several digestive issues.

• Bloating and gas
• Abdominal pain and cramping
• Diarrhoea or constipation
• Fatigue
• Malnutrition
• Brain fog
• Skin problems

SIBO can mimic other digestive problems, making diagnosis challenging. Whilst traditional, invasive tests like colonoscopies remain helpful for diagnosing some gastrointestinal diseases, such as inflammatory bowel disease and colon cancer, it may not detect SIBO due to the small intestine being a rather difficult place to access. As a result, a colonoscopy can only reach the end portion. Meanwhile, our breath test offers a simple, non-invasive and safer means to detect SIBO. It’s unsurprising that this method has become the overall preferred diagnostic method for identifying SIBO. Ultimately, this test can enable early detection and ensure to get you on the road towards targeted treatment whilst improving your overall wellbeing in the meantime.

Benefits of SIBO Breath Testing:

• Convenience: An easy, non-invasive, at home test.

• Accuracy: The hydrogen breath test is considered the most accurate and reliable test for SIBO.

• Dual Gas Analysis: We measure both hydrogen and methane gas levels to provide a comprehensive picture of your gut health.

• Fast Results: Receive your results within 3 working days.

• Doctor’s Interpretation: You can request our doctor to comment on your results for no extra charge then simply share your results with your healthcare provider for personalised treatment options.

How Does it Work?

The SIBO breath test is a simple procedure. Here's what to expect:

• Preparation: You will receive a test kit containing clear instructions on pre-test dietary restrictions and fasting guidelines. Be sure to read these thoroughly to ensure you meet all requirements before taking the test.

• Fast for at least 12 hours before you start collecting your breath samples, meaning you should not eat any food and only have water to drink. This should continue during the test period and therefore most people prefer to commence the test early in the morning to limit the length of their fast.

• Test Day: On the test day, you will blow into a breathalyser-like device to collect baseline breath samples.
• Sugar Consumption: You will then consume a small lactulose solution. Lactulose is a sugar not readily absorbed by the small intestine. If SIBO is present, bacteria will ferment the lactulose, producing hydrogen and methane gases.
• Breath Collection: Following the lactulose or glucose drink, 10 breath samples are collected at 20-minute intervals over a period of 3 hours.
• Sample Return: Package your breath samples securely and return them to the lab using the pre-paid envelope provided.

It is important to note that you should wait 4 weeks after completing a course of antibiotics or other antimicrobial treatment before undertaking breath hydrogen & methane tests. Avoid probiotics for 1 week before the test, too.

Moreover, do not sleep or exercise vigorously for at least 1 hour before, or at any time during, the test. Do not smoke on the day of the test (including E-cigarettes and vaping). On the day before the test do not eat high fibre or slowly digesting foods. Please refer to the test instructions section on the product page for further preparatory advice ahead of planning your test. 

Interpreting Your Results:

This test can easily identify abnormalities in the gut function. Accurate diagnosis provides an opportunity to address undiagnosed chronic gut conditions that may have troubled individuals for many years. On receipt of your sample, we will analyse your breath samples and provide a clear report within 1-2 business days. The report will show the levels of hydrogen and methane gas detected at each time point. Your healthcare provider will interpret the results in the context of your symptoms and medical history to determine whether SIBO is present.

Treatment Options for SIBO:

Once diagnosed with SIBO, your doctor might recommend a combination of treatment options, including:

• Antibiotics: Specific antibiotics can help reduce bacterial overgrowth in the small intestine.
• Dietary Modifications: A low FODMAP diet can help manage symptoms and reduce bacterial fermentation.
• Probiotics: Specific strains of probiotics can help restore the balance of gut bacteria.

Living with a Healthy Gut:

Addressing SIBO and improving your gut health goes a long way in promoting overall well-being. Here are some tips:

• Maintaining a healthy diet: Focus on whole foods, vegetables, fruits, and lean protein.
• Managing stress: Stress can worsen gut issues, try to regularly practice relaxation techniques like yoga or meditation.
• Getting enough sleep: Sleep deprivation can disrupt gut bacteria, aim for 7-8 hours of sleep nightly.
• Staying hydrated: Drinking plenty of water helps regulate digestion and absorption of nutrients. 

Additional Resources

To research further, see SIBO – a comprehensive review for an insightful article, published by the National Library of Medicine for useful information, references and further detailed explanations about SIBO symptoms, causes, testing and more.